In Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, well-known and loved food writer Don Genova compiles a guide of the best food producers of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Using his first-hand experience as host of CBC Radio Victoria’s weekly column "Food Matters," and based on interviews he conducted as a food writer for various publications, Genova introduces readers to the many talented and passionate people and companies throughout the region—all of whom are working to promote a growing food culture. Meet the local food artisans and learn about their history, discover favourite offerings by the producers, and get a sense of how well you can eat if you buy local.

The book also includes suggested daytrips and readings, sustainability definitions, and an index. Open the door to the islands’ food network, and discover high-quality food products made with love and care in this region. Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands is your guide to the best of the islands’ food and produce.

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Product Description

Review

"From the butcher to the baker to the salami maker, Genova introduces the reader to those among us with a passion for food that goes far beyond the average." —Monday Magazine

(2014-03-19)

"If anyone is eminently qualified to write a guidebook on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands' food artisans, it is without a doubt Don Genova . . . [it] is an indispensible resource for anyone who wants to taste the very best Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands has to offer." —EAT Magazine

(2014-05-01)

"Prepare to meet the wondrous food artisans of Vancouver Island and The Gulf Islands—and don't forget your appetite. Don Genova has a keen understanding of the essential ingredients: passion, skill, and dedicated people producing only the best in local food and drink. Don Genova is the islands' Amor de Cuisine." —Mark Forsythe, host, CBC Radio's B.C. Almanac

(2014-04-01)

"Don Genova has written a densely packed road map to the best edibles produced on our small patch of culinary heaven. Locals and newcomers alike will salivate at all the tempting possibilities. Ge out there, enjoy, and discover." —Gary Hynes, editor, EAT Magazine

(2014-04-01)

"Peppered throughout with recipes, maps, website info, cooking suggestions and taste profiles, Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands is an easy reference and essential guide for both resident and visitor." —Cooking with a Broad

(2015-01-01)

About the Author

Don Genova is a Vancouver Island–based, award-winning freelance journalist specializing in food and travel. He also teaches cooking classes and courses on food and travel writing and sustainable gastronomy. His stories on radio and television, in print, and on the web share the fascinating backgrounds of farmers and food artisans passionate about what they raise, grow, and produce. His latest radio column with CBC Radio Victoria is called "Food Matters" and delves into the world of sustainable eating in British Columbia. Genova earned a master’s in food culture from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy in 2007. He also holds a bachelor of environmental science from the University of Waterloo and is an honours graduate of the Humber College Radio Broadcasting Program. Don's website can be found at dongenova.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DonGenova.

Most helpful customer reviews

Whether you know Don Genova from his classes at Cook Culture, his CBC Radio segment "Food Matters" or his popular blog, you can't dispute his authority when it comes to local food artisans. Indeed, his first book, "Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands" brings together a collection of stories behind the most skillfully, lovingly crafted edibles on the Islands.

Handily, Genova provides detailed maps of the six regions covered in his book: The Comox Valley, Cowichan Valley, Gulf Islands, Naniamo, Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria. He separates "Food Artisans" into categorized chapters such as bakeries, butchers, chocolate, coffee/tea and seafood and profiles each business in a friendly, conversational tone. Genova has personally visited each featured establishment and shares first-hand experience to inspire readers to shop locally.

Colour photos by Genova and Stephen Hawkins as well as interspersed, tempting recipes make "Food Artisans" an indispensable resource for those seeking culinary bliss in their own backyards.

Because I live in Saanichton and try to eat locally when convenient and good, this book provides me with very good information about locally produced products. Also, I like to make trips up Island and to the Gulf Islands so I will be taking this book with me. I suspect this is the kind of book which will need to be updated as new 'food artisans" come on stream.